Category Archives: University of Texas

NFL, University of Texas

English, Doug

Cards: Topps 1980, UT Upper Deck 2011, UT Upper Deck ATA 2011
Acquired: TTM 2016, C/o Work
Sent:  12/12   Received:  12/24    (12 days)

Doug English is an under-recognized defensive lineman out of the University of Texas. Over the years he’s known for being a member of the Detroit Lions Silver Rush Defense, and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011, Longhorn Hall of Honor, the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.

Wearing the number 74 in honor of his favorite player Bob Lily, English went out and wrecked havoc on opposing defenses during his time in the SWC from 1972-1975. With explosive quickness, tenacity, size, and smarts, Doug parlayed his dominance into a second round selection by the Detroit Lions in 1975, who used him alongside Bubba Baker. English spent his entire career in Detroit, sans a one year retirement in 1980 due to injuries and a lack of passion for the game. Over his career in the NFL, English garnered 4 Pro Bowl appearances and one All Pro Nomination (1982).

Doug was named the Lions defensive MVP In 1979, after recording 122 tackles (90 solo) and 6.5 sacks, His unofficial count of 59.0 sacks ranks 6th all-time on the Lions charts- and he is considered the franchise leader among interior linemen. His best season came in 1983 when Doug had a career high 13 sacks, helping the Lions claim the 1983 NFC Central Division title. He shares the NFL record for most career safeties (4), and is one of a select few players to record 2 in a season. He retired in 1986.

Doug currently resides in Texas where he has business ventures. I was able to get his autograph on these 3 cards.  His All-Time Alumni card is quite heroic, and I am surprised that with his accolades he was not selected for an Upper Deck Legends card or something of the sort.

G/Gs  131/114            Tac  N/A          Sac 59.0           Fum  9
Int 0          Yds   0            Avg -.-       TD 0         Lg   -.-

 

 

NFL, University of Texas

Braggs, Stephen (2)

Cards: Bowman 1992, Topps Update 1989, Fleer 1992
Acquired: In Person 2016, Jordan Shipley Camp
See also: Stephen Braggs

Stephen was really surprised to see that there are a few fans of his still out there, and shocked that I had so many of them.  He knew my friend Nathan and while they were packing up stopped to sign them for me.  Nathan couldn’t find any cards of Braggs, so I spotted him a few extras that I had floating around from over the years.

Stephen’s Fleer 1992 photo was probably the best looking of the bunch, although the design was quite boring. The framing of the Browns helmet with the outline of the NFL logo is unnecessary and the angled Browns helmet is an absolute no-no. Of the 3 the Topps 88 is probably more of a classic than the others, just because the design style (as boring as it was) matched the aesthetic of what was being created then.

Coach Braggs, as of 2017, was  head coach now at Trinity Episcopal School in Central Texas. He also serves as the track and girls basketball coach.  Stephen also runs the Stephen Braggs Foundation.

NFL, University of Texas, wfl

Talbert, Don

phomem dontalbertutud11 dontalbert

Card: University of Texas Upper Deck 2011, Photograph Memorabilia
Acquired: TTM 2015, C/o Home
Sent: 12/28/15   Received:   1/11/16  (14 days)

The Talberts (Charlie, Don, and Diron) were a family line that infused the University of Texas during the 50s and 60s with raw talent. Don Talbert, the eldest of the clan, 6’5″, 210, was a two way star playing both offensive line and defensive line for the Longhorns from 1959 to 1961. He was a co-team captain and earned All SWC and All-American Honors after the 1961 season.

Don was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in 1961, where he played both sides of the line.  (He was also selected in the 34th round of the AFL draft by the Houston Oilers, but declined their offer.) After serving 2 years in Vietnam, he returned to the Cowboys in 1965. Don was selected by the expansion Atlanta Falcons in 1966 where he grew into starter material until he was traded to the Saints in 1969.  After two seasons blocking up front for New Orleans, Don was traded again- this time back to Dallas.  Talbert played for the Cowboys through 1973 and won a Super Bowl ring (VI).

Don joined the upstart WFL in 1974 as a member of the original Houston Texans. (The franchise did not last the year and moved to Shreveport where it was renamed the Steamer.) He’d retire after the season concluded.

Don signed this UT card of his in a very short time. He also mailed me this signed photo memorabilia as well. For a while there after football Don was owner and president of Talbert Investments- specializing in real estate out of Houston.

G/Gs 103/33